Ice distribution system and method

ABSTRACT

An ice distribution system and method according to which ice-filled bags are distributed within a unit such as, for example, an ice merchandiser.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. patentapplication No. 60/941,191, filed on May 31, 2007, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/701,984, filed on Nov. 6, 2003; (2) U.S. patent application No.60/647,221, filed on Jan. 26, 2005; (3) U.S. patent application No.60/659,600, filed on Mar. 7, 2005; (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/371,300, filed on Mar. 9, 2006; (5) U.S. patent application No.60/837,374, filed on Aug. 11, 2006; (6) U.S. patent application No.60/941,191, filed on May 31, 2007; (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/837,320, filed on Aug. 10, 2007; and (8) U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/931,324, filed on Oct. 31, 2007, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates in general to ice and in particular to asystem and method for distributing ice-filled bags within a unit suchas, for example, an ice storage unit, a freezer, or an ice merchandiser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a system according to anexemplary embodiment, the system including an apparatus, a central severand a plurality of remote user interfaces, the apparatus including anice maker, a hopper, a measurement and delivery assembly, a baggingmechanism, an ice merchandiser or freezer, and a control system.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the control system of FIG. 1according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a partial diagrammatic illustration/partial sectional view ofa portion of the apparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustration of a method of operating theapparatus of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustration of a step of the method of FIG. 5according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partial diagrammatic illustration/partial sectional view ofthe apparatus of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 in an operational mode during theexecution of the step of FIG. 6, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustration of another step of the method ofFIG. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 7, but depicting the apparatusof FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 in another operational mode during the execution ofthe step of FIG. 8, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 9, but depicting the apparatusof FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 in yet another operational mode during the executionof the step of FIG. 8, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is partial diagrammatic illustration/partial sectional view of aportion of an apparatus to be used in the system of FIGS. 1 and 2 with,or in place of, the apparatus of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustration of a method of operating theapparatus of FIG. 11 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustration of a step of the method of FIG. 12according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to that of FIG. 11, but depicting theapparatus of FIG. 11 in another operational mode during the execution ofthe step of FIG. 13, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic illustration of a node for implementing one ormore exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a system isgenerally referred to by the reference numeral 10 and includes anapparatus 12 operably coupled to a central server 14 via a network 16.Remote user interfaces 18 a and 18 b are operably coupled to, and areadapted to be in two-way communication with, the central server 14 viathe network 16. In several exemplary embodiments, the network 16includes the Internet, any type of local area network, any type of widearea network, any type of wireless network and/or any combinationthereof. In several exemplary embodiments, each of the remote userinterfaces 18 a and 18 b includes a personal computer, a personaldigital assistant, a cellular telephone, other types of computingdevices and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplaryembodiments, the central server 14 includes a processor and a computerreadable medium or memory operably coupled thereto for storinginstructions accessible to, and executable by, the processor.

In an exemplary embodiment, with continuing reference to FIG. 1, theapparatus 12 includes an ice maker 20 and a hopper 22 operably coupledthereto. A measurement and delivery assembly 24 is operably coupled tothe hopper 22, and a bagging mechanism 26 is operably coupled to themeasurement and delivery assembly 24. A temperature-controlled storageunit such as, for example, a freezer 28, is operably coupled to thebagging mechanism 26. A control system 30 is operably coupled to the icemaker 20, the hopper 22, the measurement and delivery assembly 24, thebagging mechanism 26 and the freezer 28. In an exemplary embodiment, thefreezer 28 is an ice merchandiser.

In an exemplary embodiment, the measurement and delivery assembly 24 is,or at least includes in whole or in part, one or more of the embodimentsof measurement and delivery assemblies disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/701,984, filed on Nov. 6, 2003, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference. In an exemplaryembodiment, the measurement and delivery assembly 24 is, or at leastincludes in whole or in part, one or more of the embodiments ofmeasurement and delivery assemblies disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/371,300, filed on Mar. 9, 2006, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference, such as, for example, the drawersection disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/371,300. In anexemplary embodiment, the measurement and delivery assembly 24 is, or atleast includes in whole or in part, one or more of the embodiments ofmeasurement and delivery assemblies disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/837,320, filed on Aug. 10, 2007, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference, such as, for example, the compartmentassembly disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/837,320. In anexemplary embodiment, the measurement and delivery assembly 24 is, or atleast includes in whole or in part, one or more of the embodiments ofmeasurement and delivery assemblies disclosed in U.S. patent applicationNo. 60/659,600, filed on Mar. 7, 2005; U.S. patent application No.60/837,374, filed on Aug. 11, 2006; U.S. patent application No.60/941,191, filed on May 31, 2007; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/931,324, filed on Oct. 31, 2007, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2 with continuingreference to FIG. 1, the control system 30 includes a computer 32including a processor 34 and a computer readable medium or memory 36operably coupled thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, instructionsaccessible to, and executable by, the processor 34 are stored in thememory 36. In an exemplary embodiment, the memory 36 includes one ormore databases and/or one or more data structures stored therein. Acommunication module 38 is operably coupled to the computer 32, and isadapted to be in two-way communication with the central server 14 viathe network 16. Sensors 40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40 d are operably coupledto the computer 32. A control panel 42 is operably coupled to thecomputer 32.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the sensors 40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40d includes one or more sensors. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensors40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40 d are distributed throughout the apparatus 12.In an exemplary embodiment, the sensors 40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40 d arepositioned in or more different locations in one or more of the icemaker 20, the hopper 22, the measurement and delivery assembly 24, thebagging mechanism 26, the freezer 28, and the control system 30.

In several exemplary embodiments, the computer 32 includes a dataacquisition unit that is adapted to convert, condition and/or processsignals transmitted by the sensors 40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40 d, and one ormore other sensors operably coupled to the computer 32. In severalexemplary embodiments, the control panel 42 includes one or more inputdevices such as, for example, one or more keypads, one or morevoice-recognition systems, one or more touch-screen displays and/or anycombination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, the control panel42 includes one or more output devices such as, for example, one or moredisplays such as, for example, one or more digital displays, one or moreliquid crystal displays and/or any combination thereof, one or moreprinters and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplaryembodiments, the control panel 42 includes one or more card readers, oneor more graphical-user interfaces and/or other types of user interfaces,one or more digital ports, one or more analog ports, one or more signalports, one or more alarms, and/or any combination thereof. In severalexemplary embodiments, the computer 32 and/or the processor 34 includes,for example, one or more of the following: a conventional programmablegeneral purpose controller, an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), other conventional controller devices and/or any combinationthereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3 with continuingreference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the ice maker 20 includes an enclosure 20 aand a grill panel 20 b. The hopper 22, the measurement and deliveryassembly 24, the bagging mechanism 26, and the control panel 42 of thecontrol system 30 are disposed in, and/or coupled to, an enclosure 44,which encloses at least respective portions of the hopper 22, themeasurement and delivery assembly 24, the bagging mechanism 26, and thecontrol panel 42. The freezer 28 includes an enclosure 28 a and a door28 b coupled thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the freezer 28 furtherincludes a sensor 28 c for determining if the door 28 b is open orclosed, which sensor is coupled to the door 28 b and operably coupled tothe computer 32.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4 with continuingreference to FIGS. 1-3, a pair of linear tracks 46 are coupled torespective upper portions of opposing inside walls of the freezer 28. Inan exemplary embodiment, the linear tracks 46 are coupled to, and extendbetween, respective upper portions of the inside front and back walls ofthe freezer 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the linear tracks 46 arecoupled to, and extend between, respective upper portions of theopposing inside side walls of the freezer 28. In an exemplaryembodiment, the linear tracks 46 are coupled to the inside ceiling wallof the freezer 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the linear tracks 46extend across the majority of an internal region 48 defined by thefreezer 28, in a front-to-back, side-to-side, or diagonal direction. Inan exemplary embodiment, the linear tracks 46 are spaced in a parallelrelation within the internal region 48. In an exemplary embodiment,instead of a pair of linear tracks 46, the apparatus 12 includes onlyone linear track. In an exemplary embodiment, instead of a pair oflinear tracks 46, the apparatus 12 includes three or more linear tracks.In an exemplary embodiment, instead of only linear portions, the tracks46 include one or more linear portions, one or more curved portions,and/or any combination thereof.

A drive motor 50 is operably coupled to the linear tracks 46, and isadapted to drive the tracks 46, under conditions to be described below.A movable kicker assembly 52, which includes a bag basket 52 a and arotator motor 52 b operably coupled thereto, is coupled to the lineartracks 46. In an exemplary embodiment, the tracks 46 are spaced in aparallel relation, and one of the tracks 46 is coupled to the kickerassembly 52 at one location, and the other of the tracks 46 is coupledto the kicker assembly 52 at another location. In an exemplaryembodiment, the tracks 46 are spaced in a parallel relation, and thetracks 46 are coupled to the kicker assembly 52 at either side thereof,respectively. The bag basket 52 a is adapted to receive a bag 53 fromthe bagging mechanism 26, and hold the bag 53 while the bag 53 is filledwith ice during the operation of the measurement and delivery assembly24 and the bagging mechanism 26, under conditions to be described below.

A proximity sensor 54 is coupled to the kicker assembly 52, and isadapted to determine whether an object is immediately below and to theright (as viewed in FIG. 4) of the kicker assembly 52, under conditionsto be described below. In an exemplary embodiment, the proximity sensor54 includes an electric eye. A sensor 56 is mounted to an inside wall ofthe freezer 28, and is vertically positioned below the kicker assembly52. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 56 is a reflective sensor. Inan exemplary embodiment, the sensor 56 includes a photocell 56 a and areflector 56 b positioned opposite the photocell 56 a on the opposinginside wall of the freezer 28.

In an exemplary embodiment, the drive motor 50, the rotator motor 52 b,the sensor 54, and the sensor 56 are operably coupled to the computer32. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the drive motor 50, therotator motor 52 b, the sensor 54, and the sensor 56 are operablycoupled to the computer 32.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5 with continuingreference to FIGS. 1-4, a method 58 of operating the apparatus 12includes determining in step 60 whether the freezer 28 is filled withbags filled with ice. If not, then a bag is filled with ice in step 62,and the bag filled with ice is distributed in the freezer 28 in step 64.In step 66, it is again determined whether the freezer 28 is filled withbags filled with ice. If not, then another bag is filled with ice instep 68, and the other bag filled with ice is distributed in the freezer28 in step 70. The steps 66, 68 and 70 are repeated until it isdetermined in the step 66 that the freezer 28 is filled with bags filledwith ice, at which point the apparatus 12 enters in step 71 a“merchandiser full” mode in which the apparatus 12 ceases automaticallybagging any more ice, and/or at least ceases introducing any moreice-filled bags into the freezer 28. If it is determined in the step 60that the freezer 28 is filled with bags filled with ice in the step 60,then the apparatus 12 enters the “merchandiser full” mode in the step71. In an exemplary embodiment, the method 58 is repeated when apredetermined condition is satisfied; examples of such a predeterminedcondition include, but are not limited to, the passage of apredetermined amount of time, the detection of the opening of the door28 b of the freezer 28 using the sensor 28 c, and/or any combinationthereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, to determine in the step 60 whether thefreezer 28 is filled with bags filled with ice, the sensor 56 operatesto determine whether bags filled with ice have been stacked in thefreezer 28 to such a degree that the one or more stacks of bags filledwith ice would interfere with, or block, the movement of the kickerassembly 52 along the tracks 46. In an exemplary embodiment, ifrespective portions of one or more stacks of bags filled with ice aredisposed between the photocell 56 a and the reflector 56 b, then it isdetermined in the step 60 that the freezer 28 is filled with bags filledwith ice, and the apparatus 12 enters the “merchandiser full” mode inthe step 71, at which point the apparatus 12 ceases automaticallybagging any more ice, and/or at least ceases introducing any moreice-filled bags into the freezer 28. In an exemplary embodiment, if thesensor 56 determines that the freezer 28 is filled with bags filled withice in the step 60, then, during the step 71, the sensor 56 furthersends one or more signals to the computer 32, which, in response toreceiving the one or more signals from the sensor 56, sends one or moresignals to one or more of the measurement and delivery assembly 24 andthe bagging mechanism 26, thereby causing the apparatus 12 to ceaseautomatically bagging any more ice, and/or to at least cease introducingany more ice-filled bags into the freezer 28.

As noted above, in an exemplary embodiment, after the apparatus 12 hasentered the “merchandiser full” mode in the step 71, as described above,the method 58 is repeated when a predetermined condition is satisfied;examples of such a predetermined condition include, but are not limitedto, the passage of a predetermined amount of time, the detection of theopening of the door 28 b of the freezer 28 using the sensor 28 c, and/orany combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 withcontinuing reference to FIGS. 1-5, to fill the bag 53 with ice in thestep 62, the ice is made in step 62 a. In an exemplary embodiment, theice is made in the step 62 a before, during or after one or more of thesteps 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 of the method 58. In an exemplaryembodiment, the ice is made in the step 62 a using the ice maker 20.Before, during or after the ice is made in the step 62 a, the kickerassembly 52 is positioned in the freezer 28 in its home positionrelative to the bagging mechanism 26, that is, in its positionconfigured to receive the bag 53 in the basket 52 a, and to furtherreceive ice into the bag 53 while the bag 53 is disposed in the basket52 a. After the ice is made in the step 62 a, an initial amount of iceis measured and disposed in the bag 53 in step 62 b. In an exemplaryembodiment, the initial amount of ice is measured and disposed in thebag 53 in the step 62 b using the hopper 22, the measurement anddelivery assembly 24, and the bagging mechanism 26, with the hopper 22receiving the ice from the ice maker 20, the measurement and deliveryassembly 24 measuring and delivering an amount of the ice into the bag53, and the bagging mechanism 26 providing the bag 53. After the step 62b, it is determined whether the bag 53 is filled with ice in step 62 c.If not, then another measured amount of ice is disposed in the bag 53 instep 62 d using the hopper 22 and the measurement and delivery assembly24. The steps 62 c and 62 d are repeated until the bag 53 is filled withice while remaining disposed in the basket 52 a of the kicker assembly52, as shown in FIG. 7. In several exemplary embodiments, one or more ofthe steps 62 a, 62 b, 62 c and 62 d are executed in whole or in part inaccordance with aspects of one or more of the following: (1) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/701,984, filed on Nov. 6, 2003; (2) U.S. patentapplication No. 60/647,221, filed on Jan. 26, 2005; (3) U.S. patentapplication No. 60/659,600, filed on Mar. 7, 2005; (4) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/371,300, filed on Mar. 9, 2006; (5) U.S. patentapplication No. 60/837,374, filed on Aug. 11, 2006; (6) U.S. patentapplication No. 60/941,191, filed on May 31, 2007; (7) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/837,320, filed on Aug. 10, 2007; and (8) U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/931,324, filed on Oct. 31, 2007, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 withcontinuing reference to FIGS. 1-7, to distribute the ice-filled bag 53in the freezer 28 in the step 64 of the method 58, the sensor 54determines in step 64 a if there is a bag filled with ice immediatelybelow and at the location where the ice-filled bag 53 currently in thebasket 52 a would be dropped if the kicker assembly 52 were to dischargethe ice-filled bag 53. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 54determines in the step 64 a if there is a bag filled with iceimmediately below and at the location where the ice-filled bag 53currently in the basket 52 a would be dropped if the motor 52 b were torotate the basket 52 a. In an exemplary embodiment, in the step 64 a,the sensor 54 determines if there is a bag filled with ice immediatelybelow and to the right of the kicker assembly 52, as viewed in FIG. 9,because, in an exemplary embodiment, to the right of the kicker assembly52 is the location at which the ice-filled bag 53 currently in thebasket 52 a would be dropped if the motor 52 b were to rotate the basket52 a in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 9.

If it is determined in the step 64 a that there is indeed an ice-filledbag immediately below and at the location where the ice-filled bag 53currently in the basket 52 a would be dropped if the kicker assembly 52were to discharge the ice-filled bag 53, then the kicker assembly 52moves along the tracks 46 in step 64 b, thereby searching for anavailable space in the freezer 28 in which the ice-filled bag 53 can bedisposed. In an exemplary embodiment, if it is determined in the step 64a that there is indeed an ice-filled bag immediately below and at thelocation where the ice-filled bag 53 currently in the basket 52 a wouldbe dropped if the motor 52 b were to rotate the basket 52 a, then thedrive motor 50 drives the tracks 46, thereby causing the kicker assembly52 to move along the tracks 46 in the step 64 b. During the movement ofthe kicker assembly 52 in the step 64 b, the sensor 54 continues todetermine if there is an ice-filled bag immediately below and at thelocation where the ice-filled bag 53 currently in the basket 52 a wouldbe dropped if the motor 52 b were to rotate the basket 52 a. In anexemplary embodiment, during the step 64 b, the kicker assembly 52 movesback and forth along the tracks 46, as indicated by an arrow 72 in FIG.9, until the sensor 54 determines that there is no ice-filled bagimmediately below and at the location where the ice-filled bag 53currently in the basket 52 a would be dropped if the motor 52 b were torotate the basket 52 a, thereby identifying an available space in thefreezer 28 for the ice-filled bag 53 currently in the basket 52 a, suchas, for example, an available space 74 in FIG. 9. In several exemplaryembodiments, the available space 74 ranges vertically from a space onthe floor of the freezer 28 to a space immediately below the sensor 56and on another ice-filled bag.

In an exemplary embodiment, during and/or after the movement of thekicker assembly 52 in the step 64 b, it is determined in step 64 bawhether an available space in the freezer 28 has been found oridentified during the movement. In an exemplary embodiment, duringand/or after the movement of the kicker assembly 52 in the step 64 b, itis determined in the step 64 ba whether the kicker assembly 52 has movedfor a predetermined amount of time in the step 64 b, and/or the kickerassembly 52 has moved over a predetermined path and/or distance alongthe tracks 46 in the step 64 b, and an available space in the freezer 28has still not been found or identified during the step 64 b,notwithstanding the determination in the step 60. If an available spacehas not been found during the step 64 b as determined in the step 64 ba,then the apparatus 12 enters the “merchandiser full” mode, as describedabove, and movement of the kicker assembly 52 is temporarily suspendedin step 64 bb. It is then determined in step 64 bc whether the door 28 bof the freezer 28 has been opened using the sensor 28 c. If so, thenstep 64 a is repeated, and possibly the step 64 b is repeated. In anexemplary embodiment, instead of, or in addition to repeating the step64 a in response to detecting the opening of the door 28 b in the step64 bc, the step 64 a and possibly the step 64 b are repeated in responseto the passage of another predetermined amount of time.

If it is determined in the step 64 a that there is no ice-filled bagimmediately below and at the location where the ice-filled bag 53currently in the basket 52 a would be dropped if the kicker assembly 52were to discharge the ice-filled bag 53, then in step 64 c the kickerassembly 52 discharges the ice-filled bag 53 to thereby dispose theice-filled bag 53 in the available space. In an exemplary embodiment, ifit is determined in the step 64 a that there is no ice-filled bagimmediately below and at the location where the ice-filled bag 53currently in the basket 52 a would be dropped if the motor 52 b were torotate the basket 52 a, then in the step 64 c the rotator motor 52 b isactivated to cause the bag basket 52 a to rotate clockwise, as viewed inFIG. 10. In response to the clockwise rotation of the bag basket 52 a,the ice-filled bag 53 falls into and is disposed in the available space74 in the freezer 28, as viewed in FIG. 10. After the step 64 c, thekicker assembly 52 is returned to its home position, as described above,in step 64 d. In an exemplary embodiment, before, during or after thestep 64 d, the motor 52 b is activated to cause the bag basket 52 a torotate back to its upright position as shown in, for example, FIGS. 4, 7and 9. In an exemplary embodiment, the control system 30 controls one ormore of the movement of the kicker assembly 52 in the steps 64 b and 64d, and the rotation of the bag basket 52 b in the step 64 c.

In an exemplary embodiment, the step 66 of the method 58 issubstantially identical to the step 60 of the method 58, as describedabove, and therefore the step 66 will not be described in furtherdetail. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 12 enters in the step71 the “merchandiser full” mode in response to determining that thefreezer 28 is filled with ice-filled bags in the step 66. As notedabove, in an exemplary embodiment, the method 58 is repeated when apredetermined condition is satisfied; examples of such a predeterminedcondition include, but are not limited to, the passage of apredetermined amount of time, the detection of the opening of the door28 b of the freezer 28 using the sensor 28 c, and/or any combinationthereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the step 68 of the method 58 issubstantially identical to the step 62 of the method 58, as describedabove, and therefore the step 68 will not be described in furtherdetail.

In an exemplary embodiment, the step 70 of the method 58 issubstantially identical to the step 64 of the method 58, as describedabove, and therefore the step 70 will not be described in furtherdetail.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11 with continuingreference to FIGS. 1-10, an apparatus is generally referred to by thereference numeral 75 and includes several components included in theapparatus 12, which components are given the same reference numerals. Inthe apparatus 75 shown in FIG. 11, a pair of linear tracks 76 arecoupled to respective upper portions of opposing inside walls of thefreezer 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the linear tracks 76 are coupledto, and extend between, respective upper portions of the inside frontand back walls of the freezer 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the lineartracks 76 are coupled to, and extend between, respective upper portionsof the opposing inside side walls of the freezer 28. In an exemplaryembodiment, the linear tracks 76 are coupled to the inside ceiling wallof the freezer 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the linear tracks 76extend across the majority of an internal region 77 defined by thefreezer 28, in a front-to-back, side-to-side, or diagonal direction. Inan exemplary embodiment, the linear tracks 76 are spaced in a parallelrelation within the internal region 77. In an exemplary embodiment,instead of a pair of linear tracks 76, the apparatus 75 includes onlyone linear track. In an exemplary embodiment, instead of a pair oflinear tracks 76, the apparatus 75 includes three or more linear tracks.In an exemplary embodiment, instead of only linear portions, the tracks76 include one or more linear portions, one or more curved portions,and/or any combination thereof.

A drive motor 78 is operably coupled to the linear tracks 76, and isadapted to drive the tracks 76, under conditions to be described below.A fixed kicker assembly 80, which includes a bag basket 80 a and arotator motor 80 b operably coupled thereto, is fixedly positionedwithin the region 77 defined by the freezer 28. In an exemplaryembodiment, the fixed kicker assembly 80 is coupled to the insideceiling wall of the freezer 28. In an exemplary embodiment, instead of,or in addition to being coupled to the freezer 28, the fixed kickerassembly 80 is coupled to one or more of the enclosure 44, the hopper22, the bagging mechanism 26, and the measurement and delivery assembly24.

A movable push arm 84 is coupled to the tracks 76. In an exemplaryembodiment, the tracks 76 are spaced in a parallel relation, and one ofthe tracks 76 is coupled to the push arm 84 at one location, and theother of the tracks 76 is coupled to the push arm 84 at anotherlocation. In an exemplary embodiment, the tracks 76 are spaced in aparallel relation, and the tracks 76 are coupled to the push arm 84 ateither side thereof, respectively. The bag basket 80 a is adapted toreceive a bag 86 from the bagging mechanism 26, and hold the bag 86while the bag 86 is filled with ice during the operation of themeasurement and delivery assembly 24 and the bagging mechanism 26, underconditions to be described below. The movable push arm 84 is adapted tomove along the tracks 76 and return to its home position proximate thedrive motor 78 (shown in FIG. 11), under conditions to be describedbelow. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable push arm 84 is alsoadapted to move vertically, as viewed in FIG. 11.

A amperage measuring device 88 is operably coupled to the drive motor78, and is adapted to monitor the push arm 84, under conditions to bedescribed below. In an exemplary embodiment, the amperage measuringdevice 88 is disposed within, and/or mounted to, the enclosure 44 and/orthe freezer 28.

In an exemplary embodiment, the drive motor 78, the rotator motor 80 b,and the amperage measuring device 88 are operably coupled to thecomputer 32 of the control system 30. In an exemplary embodiment, one ormore of the drive motor 78, the rotator motor 80 b, and the amperagemeasuring device 88 are operably coupled to the computer 32. Theremainder of the apparatus 75 is substantially identical to theapparatus 12 and therefore the remainder of the apparatus 75 will not bedescribed in further detail.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12 with continuingreference to FIGS. 1-11, a method of operating the apparatus 75 isgenerally referred to by the reference numeral 90 and includes fillingthe bag 86 with ice in step 92, distributing the ice-filled bag 86 inthe freezer 28 in step 94, and determining in step 96 whether thefreezer 28 is filled with ice-filled bags. If not, then another bag isfilled with ice in step 98, and the bag filled with ice is distributedin the freezer 28 in step 100. The steps 96, 98 and 100 are repeateduntil it is determined in the step 100 that the freezer 28 is filledwith bags filled with ice, at which point the apparatus 75 enters instep 101 the “merchandiser full” mode in which the apparatus 75 ceasesautomatically bagging any more ice, and/or at least ceases introducingany more ice-filled bags into the freezer 28. In an exemplaryembodiment, the method 90 is repeated when a predetermined condition issatisfied; examples of such a predetermined condition include, but arenot limited to, the passage of a predetermined amount of time, thedetection of the opening of the door 28 b of the freezer 28 using thesensor 28 c, and/or any combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, filling the bag 86 with ice in the step 92of the method 90 is substantially similar to the execution of the steps62 and 68 of the method 58, as described above. Therefore, the step 92will not be described in further detail.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 withcontinuing reference to FIGS. 1-12, to distribute the ice-filled bag 86in the freezer 28 in the step 94 of the method 90, the kicker assembly80 discharges the ice-filled bag 86 into the region 77 defined by thefreezer 28 in step 94 a, and, in step 94 b, the ice-filled bag 86 ismoved within the region 77 by pushing the ice-filled bag 86 with thepush arm 84. During or after the step 94 b, it is determined in step 94c whether the ice-filled bag 86 can be pushed any farther by the pusharm 84. If not, then an available space in the internal region 77 inwhich to dispose the ice-filled bag 86 has been searched for andidentified, and the push arm 84 stops pushing the ice-filled bag 86 andthe push arm 84 is returned to its home position in step 94 d.

In an exemplary embodiment, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-14, todischarge the ice-filled bag 86 from the fixed kicker assembly 80 in thestep 94 a of the step 94 of the method 90, the motor 80 b of the kickerassembly 80 rotates the basket 80 a clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 14,thereby causing the ice-filled bag 86 to fall out of the basket 80 a ofthe kicker assembly 80. In an exemplary embodiment, after the ice-filledbag 86 is discharged, the motor 80 b rotates the basket 80 a back to itsupright position.

In an exemplary embodiment, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-14, tomove the ice-filled bag 86 in the region 77 defined by the freezer 28 bypushing the ice-filled bag 86 with the push arm 84 in the step 94 b ofthe step 94 of the method 90, the motor 78 drives the tracks 76, therebymoving the push arm 84, which eventually engages and pushes theice-filled bag 86 within the region 77 defined by the freezer 28,thereby causing the ice-filled bag 86 to move away from the fixed kickerassembly 80, as indicated by an arrow 102 in FIG. 14. In an exemplaryembodiment, before or during the driving of the tracks 76, the verticalposition of the push arm 84 is adjusted to ensure sufficient contactwith the ice-filled bag 86.

In an exemplary embodiment, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-14, todetermine in the step 94 c whether the ice-filled bag 86 can be pushedany farther by the push arm 84, the amperage measuring device 88compares the amperage draw by the motor 78 with a predetermined amperageamount. If the motor 78 encounters a resistance while pushing theice-filled bag 86 during the step 94 b such that, in response, theamperage draw by the motor 78 increases beyond the predeterminedamperage amount, the amperage measuring device 88 detects this increasein amperage draw, thereby determining that the ice-filled bag 86 cannotbe pushed any farther by the push arm 84. In an exemplary embodiment,the source of the resistance encountered during the step 94 b is anotherice-filled bag, as shown in FIG. 14.

In an exemplary embodiment, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-14, inresponse to determining that the ice-filled bag 86 cannot be pushed anyfarther by the push arm 84 in the step 94 c, the amperage measuringdevice 88 sends one or more signals to the motor 78 in the step 94 d. Inresponse to receiving the one or more signals from the amperagemeasuring device 68, the motor 78 reverses its drive direction of thetracks 76, thereby causing the push arm 84 to stop pushing theice-filled bag 86 and return to its home position in the step 94 d. Inan exemplary embodiment, instead of, or in addition to sending one ormore signals to the motor 78 in the step 94 d, the amperage measuringdevice 88 sends one or more signals to the computer 32, which, inresponse, sends one or more signals to the motor 78 to thereby reversethe drive direction of the tracks 76.

In an exemplary embodiment, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-14, todetermine whether the freezer 28 is full of ice-filled bags in the step96 of the method 90, the drive motor 78 and/or one or more other sensorsin the enclosure 44 and/or the freezer 28 of the apparatus 75 detects,senses and/or monitors the amount of travel the push arm 84 underwentduring the step 94 of the method 90. If the amount of travel of the pusharm 84 falls below a predetermined amount, then it is determined in thestep 96 that the freezer 28 is full of ice-filled bags, at which pointthe apparatus 75 enters in the step 101 the “merchandiser full” mode inwhich the apparatus 75 ceases automatically bagging any more ice, and/orat least ceases introducing any more ice-filled bags into the freezer28, as noted above.

In an exemplary embodiment, the step 98 of the method 90 issubstantially identical to the step 92 of the method 90, and thereforethe step 98 will not be described in further detail.

In an exemplary embodiment, the step 100 of the method 90 issubstantially identical to the step 94 of the method 90, and thereforethe step 100 will not be described in further detail.

As noted above, in an exemplary embodiment, the method 90 is repeatedwhen a predetermined condition is satisfied; examples of such apredetermined condition include, but are not limited to, the passage ofa predetermined amount of time, the detection of the opening of the door28 b of the freezer 28 using the sensor 28 c, and/or any combinationthereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one other apparatus substantiallysimilar to the apparatus 12 and/or 75 and located at the same or anotherlocation may be operably coupled to the server 14 via the network 16. Inan exemplary embodiment, a plurality of apparatuses substantiallysimilar to the apparatus 12 and/or 75 and located at the same and/ordifferent locations may be operably coupled to the server 14 via thenetwork 16. In several exemplary embodiments, the computer readablemedium of the server 14, and the contents stored therein, may bedistributed throughout the system 10. In an exemplary embodiment, thecomputer readable medium of the server 14 and the contents storedtherein may be distributed across a plurality of apparatuses such as,for example, the apparatus 12, the apparatus 75 and/or one or more otherapparatuses substantially similar to the apparatus 12 and/or 75. In anexemplary embodiment, the server 14 may include one or more hostcomputers, the computer 32 of the apparatus 12 and/or 75, and/or one ormore computers in one or more other apparatuses that are substantiallysimilar to the apparatus 12 and/or 75.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 12 and/or 75 may becharacterized as a thick client. In an exemplary embodiment, theapparatus 12 and/or 75 may be characterized as a thin client, andtherefore the functions and/or uses of the computer 32 including theprocessor 34 and/or the memory 36 may instead be functions and/or usesof the server 14. In several exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 12and/or 75 may function as both a thin client and a thick client, withthe degree to which the apparatus functions as a thin client and/or athick client being dependent upon a variety of factors including, butnot limited to, the instructions stored in the memory 36 for executionby the processor 34.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15 with continuingreference to FIGS. 1-14, an illustrative node 104 for implementing oneor more embodiments of one or more of the above-described networks,elements, methods and/or steps, and/or any combination thereof, isdepicted. The node 104 includes a microprocessor 104 a, an input device104 b, a storage device 104 c, a video controller 104 d, a system memory104 e, a display 104 f, and a communication device 104 g allinterconnected by one or more buses 104 h. In several exemplaryembodiments, the storage device 104 c may include a floppy drive, harddrive, CD-ROM, optical drive, any other form of storage device and/orany combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, the storagedevice 104 c may include, and/or be capable of receiving, a floppy disk,CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable medium that maycontain executable instructions. In several exemplary embodiments, thecommunication device 104 g may include a modem, network card, or anyother device to enable the node to communicate with other nodes. Inseveral exemplary embodiments, any node represents a plurality ofinterconnected (whether by intranet or Internet) computer systems,including without limitation, personal computers, mainframes, PDAs, andcell phones.

In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the central server 14,the network 16, the remote user interfaces 18 a and 18 b, the controlsystem 30, the computer 32, the control panel 42, the communicationmodule 38, the sensors 40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40 d, any other of theabove-described sensors, and/or any of the above-described motors is, orat least includes, the node 104 and/or components thereof, and/or one ormore nodes that are substantially similar to the node 104 and/orcomponents thereof.

In several exemplary embodiments, a computer system typically includesat least hardware capable of executing machine readable instructions, aswell as the software for executing acts (typically machine-readableinstructions) that produce a desired result. In several exemplaryembodiments, a computer system may include hybrids of hardware andsoftware, as well as computer sub-systems.

In several exemplary embodiments, hardware generally includes at leastprocessor-capable platforms, such as client-machines (also known aspersonal computers or servers), and hand-held processing devices (suchas smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or personalcomputing devices (PCDs), for example). In several exemplaryembodiments, hardware may include any physical device that is capable ofstoring machine-readable instructions, such as memory or other datastorage devices. In several exemplary embodiments, other forms ofhardware include hardware sub-systems, including transfer devices suchas modems, modem cards, ports, and port cards, for example.

In several exemplary embodiments, software includes any machine codestored in any memory medium, such as RAM or ROM, and machine code storedon other devices (such as floppy disks, flash memory, or a CD ROM, forexample). In several exemplary embodiments, software may include sourceor object code. In several exemplary embodiments, software encompassesany set of instructions capable of being executed on a node such as, forexample, on a client machine or server.

In several exemplary embodiments, combinations of software and hardwarecould also be used for providing enhanced functionality and performancefor certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplaryembodiment, software functions may be directly manufactured into asilicon chip. Accordingly, it should be understood that combinations ofhardware and software are also included within the definition of acomputer system and are thus envisioned by the present disclosure aspossible equivalent structures and equivalent methods.

In several exemplary embodiments, computer readable mediums include, forexample, passive data storage, such as a random access memory (RAM) aswell as semi-permanent data storage such as a compact disk read onlymemory (CD-ROM). One or more exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure may be embodied in the RAM of a computer to transform astandard computer into a new specific computing machine. In severalexemplary embodiments, data structures are defined organizations of datathat may enable an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplaryembodiment, a data structure may provide an organization of data, or anorganization of executable code. In several exemplary embodiments, datasignals could be carried across transmission mediums and store andtransport various data structures, and, thus, may be used to transportan embodiment of the present disclosure.

In several exemplary embodiments, the network 16, and/or one or moreportions thereof, may be designed to work on any specific architecture.In an exemplary embodiment, one or more portions of the network 16 maybe executed on a single computer, local area networks, client-servernetworks, wide area networks, internets, hand-held and other portableand wireless devices and networks.

In several exemplary embodiments, a database may be any standard orproprietary database software, such as Oracle, Microsoft Access, SyBase,or DBase II, for example. In several exemplary embodiments, the databasemay have fields, records, data, and other database elements that may beassociated through database specific software. In several exemplaryembodiments, data may be mapped. In several exemplary embodiments,mapping is the process of associating one data entry with another dataentry. In an exemplary embodiment, the data contained in the location ofa character file can be mapped to a field in a second table. In severalexemplary embodiments, the physical location of the database is notlimiting, and the database may be distributed. In an exemplaryembodiment, the database may exist remotely from the server, and run ona separate platform. In an exemplary embodiment, the database may beaccessible across the Internet. In several exemplary embodiments, morethan one database may be implemented.

In several exemplary embodiments, while different steps, processes, andprocedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more ofthe steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of theprocedures could also be performed in different orders, simultaneouslyand/or sequentially. In several exemplary embodiments, the steps,processes and/or procedures could be merged into one or more steps,processes and/or procedures.

An apparatus has been described that includes a temperature-controlledstorage unit defining an internal region in which a plurality ofice-filled bags are adapted to be stored, a portion of the internalregion being an available space in which a first ice-filled bag isadapted to be disposed; one or more tracks extending within the internalregion; and one or more of the following: a first kicker assemblycoupled to the one or more tracks and movable therealong within theinternal region, the first kicker assembly comprising a first basketsized to receive the first ice-filled bag before the first ice-filledbag is disposed in the available space; and a push arm coupled to theone or more tracks and movable therealong within the internal region,the push arm being configured to engage the first ice-filled bag tothereby dispose the first ice-filled bag in the available space. In anexemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a drive motor operablycoupled to the one or more tracks for driving the one or more tracks tothereby cause the first kicker assembly and/or the push arm to movealong the one or more tracks; an ice maker for making the ice; a hopperoperably coupled to the ice maker for receiving the ice from the icemaker; a measurement and delivery assembly operably coupled to thehopper for measuring and delivering an amount of the ice into an emptybag used to produce the first ice-filled bag; a bagging mechanismoperably coupled to the measurement and delivery assembly for providingthe empty bag used to produce the first ice-filled bag; and a controlsystem operably coupled to one or more of the storage unit, the firstkicker assembly, the push arm, the drive motor, the ice maker, thehopper, the measurement and delivery assembly, and the baggingmechanism, the control system comprising a computer comprising aprocessor; and a memory accessible to the processor for storinginstructions executable by the processor; and one or more sensorsoperably coupled to the computer and adapted to monitor one or more ofthe storage unit, the first kicker assembly, the push arm, the drivemotor, the ice maker, the hopper, the measurement and delivery assembly,and the bagging mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatuscomprises the first kicker assembly; wherein the apparatus furthercomprises a drive motor operably coupled to the one or more tracks fordriving the one or more tracks to thereby cause the first kickerassembly to move along the one or more tracks within the internalregion; a first sensor coupled to the first kicker assembly forsearching for the available space; and a second sensor coupled to thestorage unit and vertically positioned below the first kicker assemblyfor determining whether the first kicker assembly will be blocked as itmoves along the one or more tracks; wherein the first kicker assemblyfurther comprises a first rotator motor operably coupled to the firstbasket for rotating the first basket to thereby discharge the firstice-filled bag from the first kicker assembly and dispose the firstice-filled bag in the available space. In an exemplary embodiment, theapparatus comprises the push arm; wherein the apparatus furthercomprises a drive motor operably coupled to the one or more tracks fordriving the one or more tracks to thereby cause the push arm to movealong the one or more tracks within the internal region; a second kickerassembly, at least a portion of which is fixedly positioned within theinternal region, the second kicker assembly comprising a second basketsized to receive the first ice-filled bag before the first ice-filledbag is disposed in the available space; and a second rotator motoroperably coupled to the second basket for rotating the second basket tothereby discharge the first ice-filled bag from the second kickerassembly before the push arm engages the first ice-filled bag; and anamperage measuring device operably coupled to the drive motor forcontrolling the drive motor to thereby control the push arm. In anexemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises the first kicker assembly;wherein the first kicker assembly further comprises a first rotatormotor operably coupled to the first basket for rotating the first basketto thereby discharge the first ice-filled bag from the first kickerassembly and dispose the first ice-filled bag in the available space;and wherein the apparatus further comprises a drive motor operablycoupled to the one or more tracks for driving the one or more tracks tothereby cause the first kicker assembly to move along the one or moretracks within the internal region; a first sensor coupled to the firstkicker assembly for searching for the available space; a second sensorcoupled to the storage unit and vertically positioned below the firstkicker assembly for determining whether the first kicker assembly willbe blocked as it moves along the one or more tracks; an ice maker formaking the ice; a hopper operably coupled to the ice maker for receivingthe ice from the ice maker; a measurement and delivery assembly operablycoupled to the hopper for measuring and delivering an amount of the iceinto an empty bag used to produce the first ice-filled bag; a baggingmechanism operably coupled to the measurement and delivery assembly forproviding the empty bag used to produce the first ice-filled bag; and acontrol system operably coupled to one or more of the storage unit, thefirst kicker assembly, the push arm, the drive motor, the ice maker, thehopper, the measurement and delivery assembly, and the baggingmechanism, the control system comprising a computer comprising aprocessor; and a memory accessible to the processor for storinginstructions executable by the processor; the first and second sensors;and one or more other sensors operably coupled to the computer andadapted to monitor one or more of the storage unit, the first kickerassembly, the push arm, the drive motor, the ice maker, the hopper, themeasurement and delivery assembly, and the bagging mechanism.

A method has been described that includes distributing a firstice-filled bag within an internal region defined by atemperature-controlled storage unit, comprising providing a first kickerassembly comprising a first basket; disposing the first ice-filled bagin the first basket of the first kicker assembly; searching for a firstavailable space in the internal region in which to dispose the firstice-filled bag; and disposing the first ice-filled bag in the firstavailable space in the internal region, comprising discharging the firstice-filled bag from the first kicker assembly. In an exemplaryembodiment, the method comprises determining whether thetemperature-controlled storage unit is full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit; and if thetemperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, then (a) fillinganother bag with ice to thereby produce another ice-filled bag; (b)distributing the another ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit; and (c) if thetemperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the another ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, then repeating steps(a) and (b) until the temperature-controlled storage unit is full ofbags filled with ice. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprisesmaking the ice; before distributing the first ice-filled bag within theinternal region defined by the temperature-controlled storage unit,filling a first bag with the ice to thereby produce the first ice-filledbag, comprising providing the first bag used to produce the firstice-filled bag; measuring a first amount of the ice; disposing the firstamount of the ice in the first bag; if the first bag in which the firstamount of the ice is disposed is not filled with ice, then (d) measuringanother amount of the ice; (e) disposing the another measured amount ofthe ice in the first bag in which the first amount of ice is disposed;and (f) if the first bag in which the first and another amounts of iceare disposed is not filled with ice, then repeating steps (d) and (e)until the first bag is filled with ice to thereby produce the firstice-filled bag. In an exemplary embodiment, disposing the firstice-filled bag in the first available space in the internal regionfurther comprises extending one or more tracks within the internalregion; coupling the first kicker assembly to the one or more tracks;operably coupling a drive motor to the one or more tracks; and drivingthe one or more tracks using the drive motor to thereby move the firstkicker assembly and thus the first ice-filled bag. In an exemplaryembodiment, discharging the first ice-filled bag from the first kickerassembly comprises rotating the first basket to thereby cause the firstice-filled bag to fall out of the first basket; wherein searching forthe first available space in the internal region comprises coupling afirst sensor to the first kicker assembly; and searching for the firstavailable space in the internal region using the first sensor duringdriving the one or more tracks using the drive motor; and whereindetermining whether the temperature-controlled storage unit is full ofbags filled with ice after distributing the first ice-filled bag withinthe internal region defined by the temperature-controlled storage unitcomprises disposing a second sensor within the internal region definedby the temperature-controlled storage unit. In an exemplary embodiment,disposing the first ice-filled bag in the first available space in theinternal region further comprises extending one or more tracks withinthe internal region; coupling a push arm to the one or more tracks;operably coupling a drive motor to the one or more tracks; afterdischarging the first ice-filled bag from the first kicker assembly,driving the one or more tracks using the drive motor to thereby engagethe first ice-filled bag with the push arm; and continuing to drive theone or more tracks using the drive motor to thereby move the push armand thus the first ice-filled bag. In an exemplary embodiment,discharging the first ice-filled bag from the first kicker assemblycomprises rotating the first basket to thereby cause the firstice-filled bag to fall out of the first basket; wherein searching forthe first available space in the internal region comprises coupling anamperage measuring device to the drive motor; using the amperagemeasuring device to measure the amperage draw by the drive motor duringcontinuing to drive the one or more tracks using the drive motor; andcomparing the measured amperage draw with a predetermined amperageamount; and wherein determining whether the temperature-controlledstorage unit is full of bags filled with ice after distributing thefirst ice-filled bag within the internal region defined by thetemperature-controlled storage unit comprises determining the amount oftravel the push arm underwent during the steps of driving the one ormore tracks and continuing to drive the one or more tracks.

A system has been described that includes means for distributing a firstice-filled bag within an internal region defined by atemperature-controlled storage unit, comprising means for providing afirst kicker assembly comprising a first basket; means for disposing thefirst ice-filled bag in the first basket of the first kicker assembly;means for searching for a first available space in the internal regionin which to dispose the first ice-filled bag; and means for disposingthe first ice-filled bag in the first available space in the internalregion, comprising means for discharging the first ice-filled bag fromthe first kicker assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the systemcomprises means for determining whether the temperature-controlledstorage unit is full of bags filled with ice after distributing thefirst ice-filled bag within the internal region defined by thetemperature-controlled storage unit; and means for if thetemperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, then (a) fillinganother bag with ice to thereby produce another ice-filled bag; (b)distributing the another ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit; and (c) if thetemperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the another ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, then repeating steps(a) and (b) until the temperature-controlled storage unit is full ofbags filled with ice. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprisesmeans for making the ice; means for before distributing the firstice-filled bag within the internal region defined by thetemperature-controlled storage unit, filling a first bag with the ice tothereby produce the first ice-filled bag, comprising means for providingthe first bag used to produce the first ice-filled bag; means formeasuring a first amount of the ice; means for disposing the firstamount of the ice in the first bag; means for if the first bag in whichthe first amount of the ice is disposed is not filled with ice, then (d)measuring another amount of the ice; (e) disposing the another measuredamount of the ice in the first bag in which the first amount of ice isdisposed; and (f) if the first bag in which the first and anotheramounts of ice are disposed is not filled with ice, then repeating steps(d) and (e) until the first bag is filled with ice to thereby producethe first ice-filled bag. In an exemplary embodiment, means fordisposing the first ice-filled bag in the first available space in theinternal region further comprises means for extending one or more trackswithin the internal region; means for coupling the first kicker assemblyto the one or more tracks; means for operably coupling a drive motor tothe one or more tracks; and means for driving the one or more tracksusing the drive motor to thereby move the first kicker assembly and thusthe first ice-filled bag. In an exemplary embodiment, means fordischarging the first ice-filled bag from the first kicker assemblycomprises means for rotating the first basket to thereby cause the firstice-filled bag to fall out of the first basket; wherein means forsearching for the first available space in the internal region comprisesmeans for coupling a first sensor to the first kicker assembly; andmeans for searching for the first available space in the internal regionusing the first sensor during driving the one or more tracks using thedrive motor; and wherein means for determining whether thetemperature-controlled storage unit is full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit comprises means fordisposing a second sensor within the internal region defined by thetemperature-controlled storage unit. In an exemplary embodiment, meansfor disposing the first ice-filled bag in the first available space inthe internal region further comprises means for extending one or moretracks within the internal region; means for coupling a push arm to theone or more tracks; means for operably coupling a drive motor to the oneor more tracks; means for after discharging the first ice-filled bagfrom the first kicker assembly, driving the one or more tracks using thedrive motor to thereby engage the first ice-filled bag with the pusharm; and means for continuing to drive the one or more tracks using thedrive motor to thereby move the push arm and thus the first ice-filledbag. In an exemplary embodiment, means for discharging the firstice-filled bag from the first kicker assembly comprises means forrotating the first basket to thereby cause the first ice-filled bag tofall out of the first basket; wherein means for searching for the firstavailable space in the internal region comprises means for coupling anamperage measuring device to the drive motor; means for using theamperage measuring device to measure the amperage draw by the drivemotor during continuing to drive the one or more tracks using the drivemotor; and means for comparing the measured amperage draw with apredetermined amperage amount; and wherein means for determining whetherthe temperature-controlled storage unit is full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit comprises means fordetermining the amount of travel the push arm underwent during the stepsof driving the one or more tracks and continuing to drive the one ormore tracks.

A computer readable medium has been described that includes a pluralityof instructions stored therein, the plurality of instructions comprisinginstructions for distributing a first ice-filled bag within an internalregion defined by a temperature-controlled storage unit, comprisinginstructions for disposing the first ice-filled bag in a first basket ofa first kicker assembly; instructions for searching for a firstavailable space in the internal region in which to dispose the firstice-filled bag; and instructions for disposing the first ice-filled bagin the first available space in the internal region, comprisinginstructions for discharging the first ice-filled bag from the firstkicker assembly; instructions for determining whether the temperature-controlled storage unit is full of bags filled with ice afterdistributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal region definedby the temperature-controlled storage unit; instructions for if thetemperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, then (a) fillinganother bag with ice to thereby produce another ice-filled bag; (b)distributing the another ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit; and (c) if thetemperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the another ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, then repeating steps(a) and (b) until the temperature-controlled storage unit is full ofbags filled with ice; instructions for making the ice; and instructionsfor before distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internalregion defined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, filling afirst bag with the ice to thereby produce the first ice-filled bag,comprising instructions for measuring a first amount of the ice;instructions for disposing the first amount of the ice in the first bag;instructions for if the first bag in which the first amount of the iceis disposed is not filled with ice, then (d) measuring another amount ofthe ice; (e) disposing the another measured amount of the ice in thefirst bag in which the first amount of ice is disposed; and (f) if thefirst bag in which the first and another amounts of ice are disposed isnot filled with ice, then repeating steps (d) and (e) until the firstbag is filled with ice to thereby produce the first ice-filled bag.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the elementsand teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may becombined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrativeexemplary embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements andteachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may beomitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with oneor more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrativeembodiments.

Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,”“below,” “between,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,”“downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “right-to-left,”“top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,”“top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do notlimit the specific orientation or location of the structure describedabove.

In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the operational stepsin each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, somefeatures of the present disclosure may be employed without acorresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of theabove-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in wholeor in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodimentsand/or variations.

Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detailabove, the embodiments described are exemplary only and are notlimiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manyother modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in theexemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, allsuch modifications, changes and/or substitutions are intended to beincluded within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the followingclaims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to coverthe structures described herein as performing the recited function andnot only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

1. An apparatus comprising: a temperature-controlled storage unitdefining an internal region in which a plurality of ice-filled bags areadapted to be stored, a portion of the internal region being anavailable space in which a first ice-filled bag is adapted to bedisposed; one or more tracks extending within the internal region; andone or more of the following: a first kicker assembly coupled to the oneor more tracks and movable therealong within the internal region, thefirst kicker assembly comprising a first basket sized to receive thefirst ice-filled bag before the first ice-filled bag is disposed in theavailable space; and a push arm coupled to the one or more tracks andmovable therealong within the internal region, the push arm beingconfigured to engage the first ice-filled bag to thereby dispose thefirst ice-filled bag in the available space.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising: a drive motor operably coupled to the one or moretracks for driving the one or more tracks to thereby cause the firstkicker assembly and/or the push arm to move along the one or moretracks; an ice maker for making the ice; a hopper operably coupled tothe ice maker for receiving the ice from the ice maker; a measurementand delivery assembly operably coupled to the hopper for measuring anddelivering an amount of the ice into an empty bag used to produce thefirst ice-filled bag; a bagging mechanism operably coupled to themeasurement and delivery assembly for providing the empty bag used toproduce the first ice-filled bag; and a control system operably coupledto one or more of the storage unit, the first kicker assembly, the pusharm, the drive motor, the ice maker, the hopper, the measurement anddelivery assembly, and the bagging mechanism, the control systemcomprising: a computer comprising: a processor; and a memory accessibleto the processor for storing instructions executable by the processor;and one or more sensors operably coupled to the computer and adapted tomonitor one or more of the storage unit, the first kicker assembly, thepush arm, the drive motor, the ice maker, the hopper, the measurementand delivery assembly, and the bagging mechanism.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising the first kicker assembly; wherein the apparatusfurther comprises: a drive motor operably coupled to the one or moretracks for driving the one or more tracks to thereby cause the firstkicker assembly to move along the one or more tracks within the internalregion; a first sensor coupled to the first kicker assembly forsearching for the available space; and a second sensor coupled to thestorage unit and vertically positioned below the first kicker assemblyfor determining whether the first kicker assembly will be blocked as itmoves along the one or more tracks; wherein the first kicker assemblyfurther comprises a first rotator motor operably coupled to the firstbasket for rotating the first basket to thereby discharge the firstice-filled bag from the first kicker assembly and dispose the firstice-filled bag in the available space.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,comprising the push arm; wherein the apparatus further comprises: adrive motor operably coupled to the one or more tracks for driving theone or more tracks to thereby cause the push arm to move along the oneor more tracks within the internal region; a second kicker assembly, atleast a portion of which is fixedly positioned within the internalregion, the second kicker assembly comprising: a second basket sized toreceive the first ice-filled bag before the first ice-filled bag isdisposed in the available space; and a second rotator motor operablycoupled to the second basket for rotating the second basket to therebydischarge the first ice-filled bag from the second kicker assemblybefore the push arm engages the first ice-filled bag; and an amperagemeasuring device operably coupled to the drive motor for controlling thedrive motor to thereby control the push arm.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, comprising the first kicker assembly; wherein the first kickerassembly further comprises a first rotator motor operably coupled to thefirst basket for rotating the first basket to thereby discharge thefirst ice-filled bag from the first kicker assembly and dispose thefirst ice-filled bag in the available space; and wherein the apparatusfurther comprises: a drive motor operably coupled to the one or moretracks for driving the one or more tracks to thereby cause the firstkicker assembly to move along the one or more tracks within the internalregion; a first sensor coupled to the first kicker assembly forsearching for the available space; a second sensor coupled to thestorage unit and vertically positioned below the first kicker assemblyfor determining whether the first kicker assembly will be blocked as itmoves along the one or more tracks; an ice maker for making the ice; ahopper operably coupled to the ice maker for receiving the ice from theice maker; a measurement and delivery assembly operably coupled to thehopper for measuring and delivering an amount of the ice into an emptybag used to produce the first ice-filled bag; a bagging mechanismoperably coupled to the measurement and delivery assembly for providingthe empty bag used to produce the first ice-filled bag; and a controlsystem operably coupled to one or more of the storage unit, the firstkicker assembly, the push arm, the drive motor, the ice maker, thehopper, the measurement and delivery assembly, and the baggingmechanism, the control system comprising: a computer comprising: aprocessor; and a memory accessible to the processor for storinginstructions executable by the processor; the first and second sensors;and one or more other sensors operably coupled to the computer andadapted to monitor one or more of the storage unit, the first kickerassembly, the push arm, the drive motor, the ice maker, the hopper, themeasurement and delivery assembly, and the bagging mechanism.
 6. Amethod comprising: distributing a first ice-filled bag within aninternal region defined by a temperature-controlled storage unit,comprising: providing a first kicker assembly comprising a first basket;disposing the first ice-filled bag in the first basket of the firstkicker assembly; searching for a first available space in the internalregion in which to dispose the first ice-filled bag; and disposing thefirst ice-filled bag in the first available space in the internalregion, comprising: discharging the first ice-filled bag from the firstkicker assembly.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising:determining whether the temperature-controlled storage unit is full ofbags filled with ice after distributing the first ice-filled bag withinthe internal region defined by the temperature-controlled storage unit;and if the temperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bagsfilled with ice after distributing the first ice-filled bag within theinternal region defined by the temperature-controlled storage unit,then: (a) filling another bag with ice to thereby produce anotherice-filled bag; (b) distributing the another ice-filled bag within theinternal region defined by the temperature-controlled storage unit; and(c) if the temperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bagsfilled with ice after distributing the another ice-filled bag within theinternal region defined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, thenrepeating steps (a) and (b) until the temperature-controlled storageunit is full of bags filled with ice.
 8. The method of claim 7 furthercomprising: making the ice; before distributing the first ice-filled bagwithin the internal region defined by the temperature-controlled storageunit, filling a first bag with the ice to thereby produce the firstice-filled bag, comprising: providing the first bag used to produce thefirst ice-filled bag; measuring a first amount of the ice; disposing thefirst amount of the ice in the first bag; if the first bag in which thefirst amount of the ice is disposed is not filled with ice, then: (d)measuring another amount of the ice; (e) disposing the another measuredamount of the ice in the first bag in which the first amount of ice isdisposed; and (f) if the first bag in which the first and anotheramounts of ice are disposed is not filled with ice, then repeating steps(d) and (e) until the first bag is filled with ice to thereby producethe first ice-filled bag.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein disposing thefirst ice-filled bag in the first available space in the internal regionfurther comprises: extending one or more tracks within the internalregion; coupling the first kicker assembly to the one or more tracks;operably coupling a drive motor to the one or more tracks; and drivingthe one or more tracks using the drive motor to thereby move the firstkicker assembly and thus the first ice-filled bag.
 10. The method ofclaim 9 wherein discharging the first ice-filled bag from the firstkicker assembly comprises: rotating the first basket to thereby causethe first ice-filled bag to fall out of the first basket; whereinsearching for the first available space in the internal regioncomprises: coupling a first sensor to the first kicker assembly; andsearching for the first available space in the internal region using thefirst sensor during driving the one or more tracks using the drivemotor; and wherein determining whether the temperature-controlledstorage unit is full of bags filled with ice after distributing thefirst ice-filled bag within the internal region defined by thetemperature-controlled storage unit comprises: disposing a second sensorwithin the internal region defined by the temperature-controlled storageunit.
 11. The method of claim 7 wherein disposing the first ice-filledbag in the first available space in the internal region furthercomprises: extending one or more tracks within the internal region;coupling a push arm to the one or more tracks; operably coupling a drivemotor to the one or more tracks; after discharging the first ice-filledbag from the first kicker assembly, driving the one or more tracks usingthe drive motor to thereby engage the first ice-filled bag with the pusharm; and continuing to drive the one or more tracks using the drivemotor to thereby move the push arm and thus the first ice-filled bag.12. The method of claim 11 wherein discharging the first ice-filled bagfrom the first kicker assembly comprises: rotating the first basket tothereby cause the first ice-filled bag to fall out of the first basket;wherein searching for the first available space in the internal regioncomprises: coupling an amperage measuring device to the drive motor;using the amperage measuring device to measure the amperage draw by thedrive motor during continuing to drive the one or more tracks using thedrive motor; and comparing the measured amperage draw with apredetermined amperage amount; and wherein determining whether thetemperature-controlled storage unit is full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit comprises:determining the amount of travel the push arm underwent during the stepsof driving the one or more tracks and continuing to drive the one ormore tracks.
 13. A system comprising: means for distributing a firstice-filled bag within an internal region defined by atemperature-controlled storage unit, comprising: means for providing afirst kicker assembly comprising a first basket; means for disposing thefirst ice-filled bag in the first basket of the first kicker assembly;means for searching for a first available space in the internal regionin which to dispose the first ice-filled bag; and means for disposingthe first ice-filled bag in the first available space in the internalregion, comprising: means for discharging the first ice-filled bag fromthe first kicker assembly.
 14. The system of claim 13 furthercomprising: means for determining whether the temperature-controlledstorage unit is full of bags filled with ice after distributing thefirst ice-filled bag within the internal region defined by thetemperature-controlled storage unit; and means for if thetemperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, then: (a) fillinganother bag with ice to thereby produce another ice-filled bag; (b)distributing the another ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit; and (c) if thetemperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the another ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, then repeating steps(a) and (b) until the temperature-controlled storage unit is full ofbags filled with ice.
 15. The system of claim 14 further comprising:means for making the ice; means for before distributing the firstice-filled bag within the internal region defined by thetemperature-controlled storage unit, filling a first bag with the ice tothereby produce the first ice-filled bag, comprising: means forproviding the first bag used to produce the first ice-filled bag; meansfor measuring a first amount of the ice; means for disposing the firstamount of the ice in the first bag; means for if the first bag in whichthe first amount of the ice is disposed is not filled with ice, then:(d) measuring another amount of the ice; (e) disposing the anothermeasured amount of the ice in the first bag in which the first amount ofice is disposed; and (f) if the first bag in which the first and anotheramounts of ice are disposed is not filled with ice, then repeating steps(d) and (e) until the first bag is filled with ice to thereby producethe first ice-filled bag.
 16. The system of claim 14 wherein means fordisposing the first ice-filled bag in the first available space in theinternal region further comprises: means for extending one or moretracks within the internal region; means for coupling the first kickerassembly to the one or more tracks; means for operably coupling a drivemotor to the one or more tracks; and means for driving the one or moretracks using the drive motor to thereby move the first kicker assemblyand thus the first ice-filled bag.
 17. The system of claim 16 whereinmeans for discharging the first ice-filled bag from the first kickerassembly comprises: means for rotating the first basket to thereby causethe first ice-filled bag to fall out of the first basket; wherein meansfor searching for the first available space in the internal regioncomprises: means for coupling a first sensor to the first kickerassembly; and means for searching for the first available space in theinternal region using the first sensor during driving the one or moretracks using the drive motor; and wherein means for determining whetherthe temperature-controlled storage unit is full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit comprises: means fordisposing a second sensor within the internal region defined by thetemperature-controlled storage unit.
 18. The system of claim 14 whereinmeans for disposing the first ice-filled bag in the first availablespace in the internal region further comprises: means for extending oneor more tracks within the internal region; means for coupling a push armto the one or more tracks; means for operably coupling a drive motor tothe one or more tracks; means for after discharging the first ice-filledbag from the first kicker assembly, driving the one or more tracks usingthe drive motor to thereby engage the first ice-filled bag with the pusharm; and means for continuing to drive the one or more tracks using thedrive motor to thereby move the push arm and thus the first ice-filledbag.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein means for discharging the firstice-filled bag from the first kicker assembly comprises: means forrotating the first basket to thereby cause the first ice-filled bag tofall out of the first basket; wherein means for searching for the firstavailable space in the internal region comprises: means for coupling anamperage measuring device to the drive motor; means for using theamperage measuring device to measure the amperage draw by the drivemotor during continuing to drive the one or more tracks using the drivemotor; and means for comparing the measured amperage draw with apredetermined amperage amount; and wherein means for determining whetherthe temperature-controlled storage unit is full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit comprises: means fordetermining the amount of travel the push arm underwent during the stepsof driving the one or more tracks and continuing to drive the one ormore tracks.
 20. A computer readable medium comprising a plurality ofinstructions stored therein, the plurality of instructions comprising:instructions for distributing a first ice-filled bag within an internalregion defined by a temperature-controlled storage unit, comprising:instructions for disposing the first ice-filled bag in a first basket ofa first kicker assembly; instructions for searching for a firstavailable space in the internal region in which to dispose the firstice-filled bag; and instructions for disposing the first ice-filled bagin the first available space in the internal region, comprising:instructions for discharging the first ice-filled bag from the firstkicker assembly; instructions for determining whether thetemperature-controlled storage unit is full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit; instructions for ifthe temperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bags filled withice after distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internalregion defined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, then: (a)filling another bag with ice to thereby produce another ice-filled bag;(b) distributing the another ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit; and (c) if thetemperature-controlled storage unit is not full of bags filled with iceafter distributing the another ice-filled bag within the internal regiondefined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, then repeating steps(a) and (b) until the temperature-controlled storage unit is full ofbags filled with ice; instructions for making the ice; and instructionsfor before distributing the first ice-filled bag within the internalregion defined by the temperature-controlled storage unit, filling afirst bag with the ice to thereby produce the first ice-filled bag,comprising: instructions for measuring a first amount of the ice;instructions for disposing the first amount of the ice in the first bag;instructions for if the first bag in which the first amount of the iceis disposed is not filled with ice, then: (d) measuring another amountof the ice; (e) disposing the another measured amount of the ice in thefirst bag in which the first amount of ice is disposed; and (f) if thefirst bag in which the first and another amounts of ice are disposed isnot filled with ice, then repeating steps (d) and (e) until the firstbag is filled with ice to thereby produce the first ice-filled bag.